Lagos-Kaduna-Kano railway will reduce deficiency, drive efficient transportation system ― Buhari

PRESIDENT Muhammedu Buhari has said the Kaduna-Kano segment of the Lagos-Kano railway modernisation project will reduce the deficiency in the nation’s transportation infrastructure and drive effective and more efficient transportation of passengers and freight within the country.

Buhari said this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kaduna-Kano segment of the railway project held at Zawaki, Dawakjn-Kudu local government area in Kano on Thursday.

This was just as he noted that “this railway connection when completed will establish the ports in Lagos, as the choice for import and export business of the people of landlocked Niger Republic. This would positively drive our economies through employment from new business opportunities and wealth creation.”

He added that “I am delighted to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of construction activities on the Kano–Kaduna Segment of the Lagos–Kano Railway Modernization project at the proposed site of the Kano Railway Station, Kano which is also adjacent to the Dala Inland Dry Port.”

“This project is crucial to the establishment of a supply chain in railway transport within its corridor, Kano–Kaduna-Abuja, as it links the major commercial cities of Kano and Kaduna to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“The railway line will be linked to the second port in Lagos, the Tin Can Island Port. It is also expected that the Inland Dry Port on these routes will be activated and the ports can now receive imports directly from the international market as ports of destination such as the Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano Inland Dry Ports,” he noted.

In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State applauded the foresight of the federal government in reviving the rail sector.

He said the execution of such projects was a clear indication of the Federal Government commitment in promoting commerce and creating more job opportunities for Nigerians.

Governor Ganduje said the teeming masses of the state appreciated the FG for initiating laudable projects in Kano, among which were Modern Correctional Center, Solar Power Station in Kumbotso, Reconstrucruin of Kano, Kaduna Abuja dual carriageway among others.

Earlier, the Minister of Transportation, Hon Rotimi Amaechi disclosed that this “scope of the railway project involves a 203km double track standard gauge railway from Kano to Kaduna. The railway along this route traverses the major cities of Kaduna, Zaria and Kano with three railway stations both for passengers and freight services at Rigachukun, Zaria and Kano with varying capacities and categories.”

He further disclosed that this project will link Abuja with Kano and also link the “ongoing Kano-Maradi project. The outstanding addendum, Ibadan – Abuja, will link the Sea Ports in Lagos to Maradi, Niger Republic. This I believe will greatly boost trade between the two countries and foster economic development. This railway line will present an opportunity for Nigerians to traverse between Abuja and Kano via Kaduna with relative ease.

“The project will no doubt improve the standard of living of citizens within its corridor, create employment and promote trade. In the long term, the railway will help decongest the Lagos Port Complex and increase its efficiency as well as further increase the viability of the Inland Dry Ports located in Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano,” he said.

According to him, the rail line is also provided with accessories and special installations including power and water supply schemes, signalling system & communication in GSM-R, freight yards, rolling stock depots and maintenance workshops.

“I am pleased to inform you that the ministry is finalizing plans to commence construction of the remaining addendum; Ibadan – Abuja to complete the entire stretch of the Lagos – Kano Railway Modernization project, the first of the modernization project in the 25-Year Strategic Vision plan of the Federal Government to revitalize our hitherto moribund railway transport subsector,” he noted.

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